Vinny the Vindaloo Gull: The Seagull That Turned Bright Orange After a Curry Mishap!
In one of the most amusing wildlife rescues in recent memory, drivers in Buckinghamshire, UK, were startled to spot a bright orange bird by the side of a busy highway. At first glance, many believed they had encountered a rare exotic species — but the reality was far more surprising (and spicy)!
The mystery bird was soon identified as a regular seagull that had somehow gotten itself completely covered in curry or turmeric. The vivid orange coloring left the poor bird looking like it had flown straight out of an Indian restaurant.
Concerned passersby contacted Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital, where the bird was taken in for treatment. The staff were both amused and sympathetic as they carefully cleaned the seagull, describing the smell as distinctly “spicy.” They affectionately nicknamed him “Vinny,” a nod to the fiery curry dish vindaloo.
After a good scrub and some rest, Vinny’s feathers were restored to their normal white sheen. Thankfully, he was in perfect health and soon released back into the wild — curry-free and ready to soar once again.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time a seagull has had a run-in with food. In 2016, wildlife rescuers dealt with a similar incident when another gull fell into a vat of chicken tikka masala, turning it a deep orange color as well.
While these incidents make for lighthearted headlines, they also serve as a gentle reminder about how human food waste can impact wildlife in strange and unexpected ways.
As for Vinny, the now-famous “Vindaloo Gull,” he’s become a quirky symbol of resilience — and perhaps the most flavorful bird to ever fly over Britain!